About

I hope to retire in year 2040, the year I turn 65. By retire, I mean not worry about having to keep a job. Should I decide to continue earning a paycheck, I want to do so with the freedom of knowing I can step away whenever I please.

I have a ways to go.

Currently, I'm middle management in software engineering department of a large non-technology company. That means mostly people management, not technical leadership. I've seen my peers and my direct reports adapt quickly with the changes affecting us in technology.

Unfortunately, I feel slow to catch on. I am aware I'm slow, and I've been trying for years to catch up and walk the walk. So far, though, I can just talk the talk. I suspect eventually my lack of technical aptitude will outrun any goodwill I've built up in the company as a people guy, and I may get shown the door.

The goal is to figure how to make it to year 2040 before that happens. I'm old, and I look and feel older than I am, so I don't think I can just find new work elsewhere and make as much money as I do now.

What do I need to do to make that happen? Can I learn technical things to stay relevant at work? Can I learn more people management things?

My primary project: keep getting paid so I can confidently retire by year 2040 and live comfortably. This site is me documenting that journey. Fifteen years from now (give or take), I'd like to be able to pull this site up and see that I made it.

- The Project Manager